Do you ever wish bourbon did not contain ethanol?

I know that may be a strange thought. But I don't drink for effect, I drink for the taste of the spirit. I've had three smallish pours tonite, and will not (cannot?) have another, due to the cumulative effects of the alcohol. If there was no ethanol involved, I could have another pour.

Re: Do you ever wish bourbon did not contain ethanol?

I am with you, SFS. If the drink were exactly the same (meaning the ethanol taste/burn was still there) I would most likely give it up for the ability to drink to my heart's content. It has its place and I would miss it occasionally, but it would be an acceptable loss.

Re: Do you ever wish bourbon did not contain ethanol?

In the beginning, there was Prodigy. And on Prodigy there was a wine, beer and spirits discussion group. It was usually the wine guys who would start the, "I don't drink for effect, I drink for the taste" discussion. I haven't heard it in a long time. Then as now, my instinct is to mock. The truth is, there is no separating taste from 'effect.' The effect is part of the taste. You experience it from the first sip. The psychoactive effect of the ethenol is essential to the experience. Artifically separating 'taste' and 'effect' in your mind is dangerous, as is any self-delusion. If you have a problem with alcohol but convince yourself you can flirt with enjoying the 'taste' only, you're playing Russian Roulette. If, on the other hand, you just want a moderate experience, then embrace that. Moderation is healthy. Longing for one more 'taste' is where the trouble starts.

Re: Do you ever wish bourbon did not contain ethanol?

That is a reasonable sentiment. However, I find that my biggest issue lies with side-by-sides. Learning is a large part of the enjoyment for me. With whiskey, other liquors, and most of all cocktails, I like to perform comparisons constantly. With cocktails, there is only so small you can make them before your ratios become endangered. So if I want to compare three cocktails but have no desire to become intoxicated, I'm generally forced to dump a lot of liquid or find a willing associate to relieve me of my excess.

Re: Do you ever wish bourbon did not contain ethanol?

Here's one a bit more puzzling - Why do most tasters start with full proof and then dilute to taste? Doesn't it make more sense to start by tasting the most diluted sample and move up in proof? That way, your taste buds are not compromised by the early high-proof. So many here say they always start with a little full-proof taste and I just find that lazy and wrong.

Re: Do you ever wish bourbon did not contain ethanol?

Lack of alcohol would be a deal breaker. It would kind of be like dating a fatty because she has a good personality, it might be a valid reason, but not nearly compelling enough.

Too funny, bro. I just passed hot coffee through my nose! But I get your meaning. To be honest though, I can see this both ways and find valid points in each post that I've read so far. There are times when I am bummed that I can't have another but I guess I wouldn't have it any other way. I enjoy the feeling that whiskey gives me and the flavor is only part of the overall pleasurable experience. I do occasionally regret the morning after though but that's part of the deal I guess.

Last edited by unclebunk; 03-26-2013 at 04:57.

"I distrust a man who says 'when.' He's got to be careful not to drink too much, because he's not to be trusted when he does." Sydney Greenstreet

Do you ever wish bourbon did not contain ethanol?

There is some truth in what you say Ray. I mean how many vodka drinkers are here? Vodka is a get off drink. There is no other reason to drink it.

I call myself a flavor junkie. I get off on flavors whether it's from food, spirits or cigars. I have come to really like the Flavors in bourbon as well. All have an effect that goes beyond flavor alone.

I do drink for the taste more than the effect but the effect pulls me back for more. I also hate being drunk but with so many bottles out there like we had in Tallahassee you want to try them all but the effects can be overwhelming. No I didn't try them all but did get more buzzed than had intended.

The mild effect from ethanol is nice and desirable. Getting drunk is not